Three brothers from Tampa Bay, known as the Patel brothers, recently achieved an impressive feat by winning the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) student airport design competition. On January 10, Shaan (16), Sahil (15), and Krishiv (13) visited Tampa International Airport (TPA) to meet the professionals from the Airport Planning and Development team who work in the field they aspire to enter.
During their visit, the brothers not only presented their winning entry but were also treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the airport. This included stops at the Airport Operations Center, SkyCenter One office building, airfield, and even the baggage handling system—an exciting experience for these young aviation enthusiasts.
Shaan expressed his passion for aviation, saying, “Growing up, I used to love making model airports and collecting model planes. Now planes have become a part of me, and I love it so much. Being able to come to TPA and see all this after all our effort is fantastic.”
The Airport Design Challenge invites students from Kindergarten through 12th grade to design virtual airports in Minecraft. Participants are guided by FAA aerospace and engineering professionals. The competition divides participants into categories for both Primary and Non-Primary Airports based on their grade levels, with the Patel siblings claiming first place in the Primary Airport category for grades 7-12 under the team name “Aviator Bros.”
This program offers budding aviators the chance to meet industry professionals, collaborate with fellow designers, and delve into the aviation industry. Participants are encouraged to focus on local airports to better understand FAA specifications, with various educational modules covering critical topics such as airport layout, pavement, lighting, structures, and innovative growth ideas.
The Patel brothers centered their design project around Tampa International Airport, incorporating imaginative features such as unique dining options, a garden and observation deck situated atop the Economy Parking Garage, and convenient access to a cargo port designed for delivery drones.
This encouraging initiative highlights not only the innovative spirit of young designers but also the potential for the next generation to contribute to the future of aviation and airport development. The Patel brothers’ journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of educational programs that promote creativity and collaboration in real-world applications.